LG Electronics' research and development building at LG Science Park in Magok-dong, western Seoul (LG Electronics)
LG Electronics' research and development building at LG Science Park in Magok-dong, western Seoul (LG Electronics)

South Korean home appliances giant LG Electronics said Monday it has completed construction of four new research and development facilities in LG Science Park, finalizing its plan to build a centralized control tower to drive advanced technology dvelopment, the company said Monday.

The new facilities bring the total number of LG Electronics' R&D buildings to 10 inside the LG Group compound, accommodating a total of 10,000 R&D personnel. Starting from last week's Lunar New Year holiday, the company’s 2,000 researchers who had been working at the Seocho, Yangjae and Gasan R&D campuses in Seoul have begun relocating, the company said.

At the expanded buildings, most of the researchers affiliated to the chief technology officer's division -- responsible for leading advanced technology R&D -- and four business divisions -- home appliance solutions, media entertainment solutions, vehicle solutions and eco solutions -- will be working together.

With a total floor area spanning 413,200 square meters, the new facility is the largest R&D center in Seoul run by a single company.

“With this expansion, we want to make sure researchers work in a more spacious and comfortable environment, and increase work efficiency,” the company said.

LG said the R&D hub will reinforce its role as a global control tower, directing local product development for 23 overseas research centers and overseeing headquarters-led R&D projects.

To help employees moving to the new buildings with child care, the company has expanded the LG Electronics Magok Childcare Center to accommodate 100 children, increasing the total capacity of the facility to 460 children.

The electronics giant has also established the Safety Experience Center, where employees can virtually experience and prevent accidents and potential damages during lab experiences. At the center, a total of 18 safety-related experiential programs have been prepared, including fire evacuation, security helmet performance and chemical reaction scenarios, the company said.

With LG Electronics' expansion, the total number of research buildings in LG Science Park has increased from 22 to 26. Covering about 170,000 square meters -- equivalent to 24 soccer fields -- LG Science Park accommodates the headquarters and R&D facilites of key LG Group affiliates, including LG Display, LG Innotek and LG Chem, as well as collaborating companies and startups.

By Jo He-rim (herim@heraldcorp.com)